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Report of Oregon Coast trip

We just returned from three weeks traveling and camping along the Oregon Coast, and wanted to share some of our food discoveries:

Just North of Rockaway Beach, we discovered Karla's Smokehouse (her business card reads: "Karla Steinhauser, Semi-Retired"). After sampling some, we bought some of her luscious, moist, and flavorful smoked salmon, some smoked albacore (it wasn't dry), smoked oysters, and a couple of sticks of smoked jerky. Most everything's about $15 to $20 a pound, likely the same cost if you bought pre-packaged smoked salmon from TJs.

It's a spot you really don't want to pass by if you're heading up highway 101. But hurry. Karla really is retiring in 2009, and there’s nobody to take over the business.

2010 Highway 101 NorthRockaway Beach, Oregon503/355-2362

Closed Monday

In the same town, a block or so south, we stopped at the Old Oregon Smoke House (120 South Highway 101). Don't bother with any of their smoked fish. Instead, grab a dozen local oysters for $5 a pound. Throw them on a BBQ until you see steam, pry 'em open with a screwdriver, and you'll be dazzled with the taste.

Great Sourdough at Panini Bakery in NewportThe very best sourdough loaf we've ever had -- yes, better than La Brea. About $5 for a big loaf, the outside's crispy and in the inside's dense, very dense. While traveling we kept the loaf in a plastic bag and it lasted over five days without getting stale.

Panini Bakery232 NW Coast Newport, OR541 265-5033

Breakfast and Lunch in Charleston

We were crabbing off the dock and needed breakfast. I spotted what looked like an L.A. roachcoach, but different. It was a small, pull-along trailer, something you'd see at a county fair.

DH ordered the #4 -- breakfast burrito with homemade jojos. It was big enough for the two of us with scrambled eggs and sausage, and a big pile of crispy, obviously cut-at-home home fries. Lunch the following day was just as good -- and big. Halibut fish and chips, a turkey sandwich made from real roast turkey, and more jojos. The place is called Monkeybusiness. It's In the boat basin parking lot in Charleston, Across from the halibut charter boat place6am to 2pmClosed Monday and Tuesday541 260-4145

Beer in Astoria

Everyone knows about Rogue: They're in Newport and Astoria, Yet we found another one -- the Fort George Brewery and Public House.

The food was okay, but nothing to rave about. The beer, however, was cheap -- under $3 a pint -- and good. The Vortex, if available, was deliciously bitter and hoppy.1483 Duane StreetAstoria, OR503 325-pinthttp://www.fortgeorgebrewery.com

Right next door is the Blue Scorcher Bakery. They have a vegetarian menu and the place was packed; we didn't eat there, but did pick up some better-than-average bread. Their sourdough, the standard of breads, IMHO, is on par with La Brea, but not as good the Panini Bakery in Newport.

We also tried the Sunday morning "Farmer's Market," in quotes, because in late May, there was just one farmer selling veggies; most everyone else was pitching candles, jewelry, soap, and other trinkets. Pretty boring.

We also enjoyed Local Ocean Seafood in Newport, and the Otis Café, both recommended by multiple Hounds, and both well worth the stops.